Ukraine begins operating F-16 fighter jets By Investing.com

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced today that Ukrainian pilots have begun flying operations using F-16 fighter jets, using US-made aircraft. These happened more than two years after the Russian invasion. and is considered a significant increase in Ukraine’s military capabilities.

During a visit to the air base where the media were present, Zelenskiy expressed pride in the Ukrainian pilots who were already equipped with the jets. For safety reasons, therefore, the exact location of the air base has not been disclosed. The president stood with military pilots in front of two F-16s while two other jets were flying.

The F-16 manufactured by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is an important addition to Ukraine’s arsenal. Previously this consisted of old Soviet-era aircraft. Despite the launch of the F-16, Zelensky acknowledged the need for more trained pilots to deliver additional aircraft.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of expanding training programs for Ukrainian pilots and engineers. Noting ongoing efforts to acquire more F-16 aircraft, he also emphasized the transformative impact of the F-16 on the Ukrainian air force. It was adapted to Western fighter aircraft standards through continuous diplomacy and a series of meetings.

The president did not specify the type of missiles installed on the F-16, which analysts believe could greatly affect their effectiveness in combat. Zelensky also expressed his desire to work with NATO countries through the Ukraine-NATO Council to create a coalition to counter Russian ballistic missiles.

At the same time, Russia is targeting bases that can accommodate F-16s and threatening to shoot them down. But the arrival of the jets represents a new phase of the conflict and Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts.

Reuters contributed to this article.

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